Ruturaj Gaikwad Plays Down CSK’s Loss as RR Chase 128 in 12.1 Overs

Ruturaj Gaikwad remained positive despite CSK’s 8-wicket loss to RR in IPL 2026, as Sooryavanshi’s rapid fifty and RR’s bowling restricted CSK to 127.

Rajasthan Royals secured an 8-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026 at Guwahati on Monday. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi led the chase with a rapid fifty. RR chased 128 in just 12.1 overs. CSK were bowled out for 127 in 19.4 overs. Jamie Overton top-scored with 43 for Chennai. Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger struck early to damage the top order.

Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad played down CSK’s loss and said conditions were challenging at the start. He noted seamers extracted assistance from the surface. He added that spinners also found some help later.

“I felt the conditions at the start were really tough, especially when facing Jofra and Burger. They bowled brilliant lengths and even after that, to a medium-pacer it was slightly tough. You could see even the spinners were getting some assistance as well,” Ruturaj said.

Gaikwad remained calm after the defeat. He said the team would move forward quickly. CSK have another match in 3 days. He stressed the need for a positive mindset.

“I think it was just one of those days where the wicket was slightly on the tougher side. So not frustrated at all. You just put it behind you and move on. We’ve got a game in another three days. Make sure that everyone is in a good headspace. One good thing is that there are a lot of youngsters in the group. So, probably a nervy start for everyone, but good to get a game behind and good to start with a lot of mistakes. Hopefully, it will be just an improvement after here,” he said.

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“I’m someone who’s not a firm believer of going all the way. But, with the impact player, you never really know what’s the good score or what’s the par score. So you don’t really often see games going down the line till the 20th over when you’re defending 150, 160 or 170. So I think it’s just about backing yourself, backing your game for the batsmen. If you have it in your area, just make sure you go for it,” Gaikwad continued.

“Today it didn’t work but we can be better in batsmanship. You just have to be positive, especially when you’re batting first. If conditions are good, you never know, the same batting line-up can put a good score,” he concluded.

CSK Bowled Out for 127 in 19.4 Overs

In the match, Rajasthan Royals chose to field after winning the toss. The decision worked early as RR removed Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ayush Mhatre cheaply. Gaikwad scored 6 off 11 balls before Jofra Archer dismissed him. Nandre Burger removed Mhatre for a golden duck. Matt Short managed 2 off 7 balls before falling to Sandeep Sharma. Jamie Overton top-scored with 43 off 36 balls. CSK were bowled out for 127 in 19.4 overs.

RR started strongly in the chase after an early drop chance. The opening pair added a fifty stand within 5 overs. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi reached his fifty in 15 balls. His innings ended soon after that milestone. Rajasthan chased 128 with 8 wickets in hand and 47 balls remaining. Ravindra Jadeja picked 2 wickets against his former team.